This research develops an affordable, scalable platform for recording electrical activity from brain organoids. Using innovative basket-shaped sensors made from a low-cost conductive material, the system enables simultaneous recording from dozens of mini-brains, accelerating drug discovery and improving our understanding of brain diseases with more human-relevant laboratory models.

This research engineers DNA-modified exosomes to deliver drugs precisely to cancer cells while avoiding healthy tissue. By disguising natural cell-targeting signals and adding programmable DNA targeting molecules, the platform could reduce treatment side effects and provide a modular delivery system adaptable to many cancers and other diseases.

This research develops a rapid digital PCR workflow to quantify Salmonella contamination in chicken products. Unlike traditional yes-or-no testing, digital PCR measures bacterial levels directly, enabling faster and more accurate food safety decisions within eight hours. The work improves risk assessment, intervention strategies, and prevention of foodborne illness outbreaks.

This research investigates how SUMO protein labeling regulates DNA repair after damage caused by sunlight and other stresses. Using yeast as a model organism, the study shows that SUMO helps recruit and remove repair proteins at damaged DNA sites. Understanding these signaling mechanisms may improve cancer prevention and treatment strategies.

This research develops biodegradable “living” water filters grown from kombucha cellulose membranes. Unlike conventional plastic filters, these biofilters can self-defend against harmful microbes and self-repair when damaged. The work aims to create affordable, sustainable, and effective water filtration systems that reduce plastic waste while improving access to clean drinking water.

This research tackles low protein levels in Western Canadian soybeans. Using RNA sequencing, it identifies gene expression differences between eastern and western crops. The goal is to develop higher-protein soybean varieties suited to harsh climates, improving market competitiveness, supporting farmers, and strengthening sustainable agricultural systems across Canada.

This research explores endophytes—fungi living symbiotically within plants—that produce bioactive compounds aiding plant defense and growth. These compounds have led to major medical breakthroughs like antibiotics and immunosuppressants. Studying endophytes in crops may uncover new drugs and agricultural benefits, highlighting nature’s vast, largely untapped biochemical potential.

This research engineers yeast to convert PET plastic waste into valuable chemicals like PCA, enabling the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable materials. By transforming low-value plastic into high-value products, it offers a scalable biotechnological solution to reduce pollution and support the transition to sustainable, circular economies.

This research improves combination vaccines by addressing antigen competition using injectable hydrogels that slowly release antigens. This approach produces balanced immune responses to multiple diseases, unlike traditional vaccines. The innovation could reduce the number of shots required, improve global vaccine access, and ensure more effective immunization, particularly in underserved populations.

This research develops an affordable, rapid genetic testing system to personalize antidepressant treatment. By detecting DNA mutations that affect drug metabolism, the technology helps doctors prescribe the right medication for each patient. The goal is to reduce ineffective treatments and improve mental health care—especially for veterans struggling with PTSD and depression.